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Self Storage Specialists Blog
 Dolls, Legos, and action figures, oh my! Is your home constantly scattered with kids’ toys and games? We get it; we’ve been there too. Keeping your home organized when it feels like toys are taking over is no easy task, but we’re here to help! We’ve compiled a list of 5 easy toy organization and storage tips. Check them out below!
Organizing Toys with Ease: Check Out These 5 Tips!
- Create a “play zone”: If you haven’t already, designate a play zone in your house. The play zone can either be a full room or just an area inside of a room. This can help to keep the toys, dolls, blocks, and more all together in one spot.
- Invest in a toy chest: While a toy chest is a relatively old school storage idea, it works! Invest in a toy chest to corral any large toys or other items with which your kids love to play.
- Use storage containers: Use storage containers to keep similar items together. For example, store all crayons, craft supplies, and doll clothes in separate storage containers. When your child wants to play, you can easily pull out the bin and everything you need will be right there.
- Label, label, label: Even if your kids aren’t old enough to read, it is still important to label the outside of all storage containers, bins, and boxes. This way, you will be able to easily find what you’re looking for, and this will help to ensure that items get put back in the right box.
- Use wire baskets for stuffed animals: Keep all stuffed animals neat and organized by storing them in wire baskets. This trick will not only help to clear floor clutter, it will also help your child to easily find his or her favorite stuffed animal.
Are You Looking for a Full-House Storage Solution?
After having kids, did the office or living room become the play room? Did the furniture that once inhabited that space get moved to the remaining rooms in your home? Sound familiar? While you want to give your kids an area in which to imagine and explore, it can lead to the rest of your house feeling cluttered and cramped. While your kids are young, it may be beneficial to rent a storage unit in which to store extra pieces of furniture and other large items.
Looking for a storage unit near you? Look no further! Self Storage Specialists have storage facilities in Ann Arbor, MI, Grand Rapids, MI, Detroit, MI and Kalamazoo, MI! Our storage units come in a variety of sizes, and this helps to create flexibility for our renters. Reserve your storage unit today!
 Are you moving during the winter? Depending on the weather, winter moves are usually more difficult, but they are nowhere near impossible. Between the unpredictable weather and the concerns with the safety of the roads, it is important to be thoroughly prepared. Don’t worry; we are here to help! We’ve compiled a list of some quick tips to keep your winter move as smooth as possible! Check them out below.
5 Must-Follow Winter Moving Tips
- Check in with your movers: It is important to keep in mind that winter is generally the off-season for moving companies. During the weeks leading up to your move, be sure to check in with your moving company. This will not only help to keep you in the forefront of their minds, but it will also help to mitigate any last-minute concerns for you.
- Keep an eye on the weather: It’s important to always keep an eye on the weather. If you notice a winter storm on the radar during the week of your move, express your concerns to your movers. It’s always a better idea to push back the moving date as opposed to getting stuck in a storm.
- Protect your floors: On the day of your move, you will have people trudging in and out of your house. Cover your carpet and hardwood floors with plastic tarps to protect them from any mud or snow that may have been brought in.
- Shovel the snow outside of your house: If there is snow on your driveway, sidewalks, or the street in front of your house, clear it. The last thing you want during your move is for either you, your family members, or one of your movers to slip and injure themselves while moving large pieces of furniture.
- Stock up on extra warm items: As the day goes on, your movers’ gloves may get drenched from the snow. Stock up on extra hats and gloves to offer to your movers if they are starting to look a little cold or wet.
A Storage Unit Rental Can Make Your Move Easier!
If you’re moving during the winter, you may benefit from renting a storage unit. A move can be a big deal, and renting a storage unit allows you to slowly move items out of your home and into a secure location ahead of your move. Renting a storage unit is also beneficial if your old home has already sold and your new home will not be ready for you to move into for a few more weeks.
Are you looking to rent a storage unit near you in the Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo areas? Self Storage Specialists have storage facilities all throughout Michigan and in Dayton, Ohio. Our storage facilities have a variety of storage unit sizes including: 5×5, 5×10, and 10×10 storage units in both traditional and climate-controlled. Reserve your storage unit today!
 Every child loves building snowmen, making snow angels, and having a snowball fight in the winter, but when the weather is bad and it’s too cold to go outside, how do you keep your kids entertained? Well, lucky for you, there are a wide variety of indoor kid-friendly winter activities in Michigan. Stay warm this winter as you check out these fun indoor winter activities!
Indoor Winter Activities Nearby Detroit and Ann Arbor
Do you have little builders in your family? Bring them to Legoland Discovery Center! Legoland Discovery Center is open every day, and has many exciting attractions to keep your little ones entertained! Everything at Legoland is kid-sized, perfect for kids between 3-10 years old. There are over 10 family attractions and activities including: 4D cinema, Kingdom Quest laser ride, Merlin’s Apprentice, and a play area!
Are you looking for more of an educational day with the family? Check out the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium! The aquarium features many different events and exhibits all throughout the year. Visitors to the aquarium can also enjoy the interactive touch pool experience and the underwater ocean tunnel. The aquarium also teaches visitors about animal conservation.
When you buy Legoland Discover Center and Sea Life Michigan tickets together, you save! In order to qualify, you must visit both exhibits within the same day.
Grand Rapids Indoor Winter Activities
Are you looking for a fun daytime activity or date night? Check out X Golf in Grand Rapids! X Golf is the most innovative and accurate golf simulator in the world, and is located just down the street from you! Visitors can book a tee time, a lesson, or an event!
Spend the day ice skating at Griff’s Ice House and get the winter experience without being subjected to the winter elements! While Griff’s Ice House is the official practice facility for the Grand Rapids Griffins, there are still many open skate hours for the public. Before heading to the ice rink, check out the skate hours online.
Self Storage Specialists Has Storage Facilities in Detroit, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids
Are you looking for a storage facility near you? Self Storage Specialists have storage facilities in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, and all throughout Michigan. Whether you need long-term storage, vehicle storage, or a student storage solution, we’ve got you covered. Our storage facilities have many sizes of both traditional and climate-controlled storage options, making us the ideal storage solution for all of your storage needs.
Reserve a storage unit near you today!
 Don’t let the cold and the snow keep you from having fun this winter! There are many exciting events and activities taking place all throughout Michigan. Check out these fun events for your next family experience, date night, or night out on the town!
Detroit and Ann Arbor, MI Winter Activities
Every Day Tuesday through Sunday
Did you know that Ann Arbor has a trampoline park? Airtime Trampoline Park is located in Ann Arbor’s Cranbrook Village Shopping Center. This 24,000 square-foot facility includes trampoline areas, a zip line, climbing wall, ninja course, and a mosh pit.
Now through March
Are you looking to enjoy some time outdoors? Come to Campus Martius Park for a fun day of ice skating! If you’ve worked up an appetite after all of the skating, there are many yummy nearby restaurants.
Winter Activities Near Grand Rapids, MI
March 7th through 17th
Laugh Fest will take place this year all through Grand Rapids! This 10-day festival will feature performances from 8 different comedians. While not all shows are family-friendly, there are a few events and shows that are. Tickets are available online.
Now through April 13th
Do you have a hockey lover in the family? Root on your favorite local Grand Rapids team at a Grand Rapids Griffins game! The team plays all winter long through April 13th. Tickets to each game are available online.
Winter Events Near Kalamazoo, MI
All winter long
Are you looking for an outdoor winter adventure? At Echo Valley Winter Sports Park, visitors can race down ¼ mile long tracks on toboggans. There is also a 500-foot tubing hill, a warming lodge with snacks, and an ice-skating rink.
February 1st through 3rd
At the Annual Ice Festival in St. Joseph, MI, visitors can watch ice carvers turn ice into works of art! Throughout the weekend, there will be a variety of winter events. On Friday, there will be a professional individual competition taking place from 5:30-7:30pm. There will also be a fire and ice display for all guests to enjoy. On Saturday, there will be a professional team competition from 8:00am-4:00pm.
Are You Looking for Storage in Detroit, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids Area?
Self Storage Specialists has storage facilities all throughout Michigan in the Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Kalamazoo areas. Our storage solutions are perfect for personal, business, or student storage needs. Reserve your storage unit with Self Storage Specialists today!
 One common New Year’s resolution is to get into shape for the New Year, and, what’s more motivating than booking a race within the first few weeks of spring? Lucky for you, there are a lot of Michigan races from which to choose! Some are charity-based, some are fun, and others are more serious Boston Qualifiers. Whether you’re looking to have a fun and active day or go on to qualify for other races, check out these spring 2019 races in Michigan!
Ann Arbor and Detroit Races
Saturday, March 10th
This year is the 20th year of Shamrocks & Shenanigans. This race benefits the organization Save A Heart. Save A Heart raises funds to benefit patients and family members that come to Michigan Congenital Heart Center at C.S. Motts Children’s Hospital. These funds are used to support families with travel, lodging, and other expenses. This race will feature a Kid’s Kilometer and 5K Run/Walk option. All participants will receive a t-shirt and finisher metal.
Sunday, March 24th
The Ann Arbor Marathon is back again for another year! Race participants are able to choose from running the marathon, a marathon relay, a half marathon, a 10K, a 5K and a virtual half marathon. Are you not looking to run but still want to get involved? The Ann Arbor Marathon is also looking for volunteers!
Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids Marathon, Half Marathon and Other Races
Friday, February 1st and Saturday, February 2nd
You’ve likely heard of Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog who predicts if we’ll have 6 more weeks of winter, but have you heard of Punxsutawney’s cousin, Augustus T. Groundhog, also known as Grand Rapids Gus? Augustus T. Groundhog looked into the future and determined that no matter what, we will have 6 more weeks of winter. Instead of being sad about this, the Grand Rapids Groundhog Day Marathon was born. This race has options for the marathon, half marathon, 1/6 marathon, Whole Hog and Half Hog length. The Groundhog Marathon is also a Boston Qualifier race.
Sunday, May 5th
The Kalamazoo Marathon trail runs through parks, trails, the downtown mall, neighborhoods, and Western Michigan University. When signing up for this race, you can choose from running the marathon, a half marathon, 10K, 5K, Motivational Mile and a Kids Fun Run. This race is a Boston Qualifier.
Reserve a Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo Storage Unit Today
To all of our runners out there, good luck in your races! We’re rooting for you!
Did you know that Self Storage Specialists has storage facilities in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo? Renting a storage unit is a great way to declutter your home and make room for the upcoming warmer season. Reserve a storage unit with Self Storage Specialists today!
 Did you know that winter is actually one of the best times to declutter your home? During the winter months, more time is spent indoors than during any other season. Why not take advantage of this downtime to clean your home? By the time the warm weather comes around again and you want to spend more time outdoors, your home will be refreshed and ready! Try the tips below to declutter your home!
Decluttering the Home in 5 Easy to Follow Steps!
- Purge old holiday items: While you’re putting away your holiday items, sort through them and pull out any duplicate items, items you no longer display, or those that are damaged. These items can either be thrown away, donated, or given to a friend or family member.
- Clear out the garage: Your garage should be used for storing your vehicles and not miscellaneous household items. Take the space back by clearing out the clutter. When decluttering your garage, make sure to keep outdoor items together in one area. For example, keep all of your lawn equipment together on one wall, and the sporting goods equipment together on another wall.
- Start small: When decluttering your home, always start small. Maybe this is decluttering your shoe closet on your first floor, or maybe it’s cleaning out your junk drawer. Starting with too large of a project may lead to you getting frustrated and quitting early. After your first project has been completed, keep the adrenaline pumping by decluttering other areas in your home.
- Take care of the kitchen: One room that gets a lot of use but is often overlooked for decluttering projects is the kitchen. Throughout the years, you’ve likely collected a large amount of kitchen gadgets and appliances. Go through your kitchen cupboards, drawers, and your pantry, and pull out any items you no longer use.
- Create a calendar for the year: Start off the New Year on the right foot by creating a calendar you can fill in throughout the week. While this won’t help with decluttering your home, it will help you to organize your time.
Make Space in Your Home By Renting a Storage Unit!
As you’re decluttering your home, you may start to realize that you could be more organized if you only had a little more room. If you’ve reached this conclusion and the limit on available space, consider renting a storage unit. Renting a storage unit allows you to store items you don’t use very often in a safe and secure location outside of your home.
Are you looking for a storage facility near you? We have storage facilities in major Michigan cities including: Kalamazoo, MI, Detroit, MI, Ann Arbor, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. Have a more organized 2019, and reserve a storage unit today!
 Are you still trying to iron out your New Year’s Eve plans? Well, you’re in luck! Whether you are looking for a casual New Year’s Eve with the family, or a full-out New Year’s Eve celebration, there’s an event for you in the Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo, Michigan areas. Ring 2019 in style at one of these New Year events in Michigan!
New Year’s Eve Events in Detroit, MI and Ann Arbor, MI
The Drop is a family friendly event taking place on New Year’s Eve. This event features something for everyone including entertainment on the main stage, fire pits, Kidz Zone, and family-friendly activities! Local restaurants will also be onsite selling a variety of food. Just before midnight, the “D” will be lowered to countdown the New Year! There will also be a kids’ drop at 6:30 p.m. for young kids with early bedtimes!
Let The Greatest Showman be the last movie you see in 2018! The Farmington Civic Theater will be showing The Greatest Showman starting at 9:30PM on New Year’s Eve. The movie will be over around 11:15p.m., allowing you to be home in time to count down to the New Year!
Rockin’ NYE in Downtown Wyandotte is a fun event for all ages! There will be live bands playing onstage, food trucks, a DJ, and more! Community Choice Credit Union will host a heated family-friendly tent with free kids’ activities. At 9:00 p.m., there will be a Times Square style ball drop for young kids or those that don’t want to be out until midnight. The ball will drop again at midnight to ring in the New Year.
New Year’s in Grand Rapids, MI and Kalamazoo, MI
New Year’s Early Eve is an annual event perfect for your kids. This event will include appetizers, a sparkling juice bar, celebratory crafts, dancing, a DJ, noisemakers, and a balloon drop at 7:30 p.m.!
Ring in the New Year with your favorite hockey team! At 6:00 p.m., the Grand Rapids Griffins will be playing the Rockford IceHogs at home. Once the game is over, there will be an indoor firework celebration. Tickets are available online.
New Year’s Eve Fest is an event for all ages that takes place in downtown Kalamazoo. This fun celebration will include music, magic, comedy, fireworks, food, and many exhibitions! At midnight, there will be a ball drop and fireworks taking place at Bronson Park.
We Have Storage Facilities in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo!
Is your New Year’s resolution to have a more organized home? Clear extra clutter out of your home with by renting a storage unit! Self Storage Specialists have storage facilities all throughout Michigan including in major cities like Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo! Our storage facilities have both climate-controlled and traditional storage units. Reserve a storage unit today!
 Keeping your closet organized can be very hard, but keeping a small closet organized can be nearly impossible! Even if you are able to fit all of your items into your small closet, it may not be organized as well as it could be. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Try out these 6 tips below for organizing a small closet!
6 Ways to Organize Your Closet
- Purge old or unneeded items: Sort through your closet and purge any items you either no longer wear or if they do not fit. These items should be donated to an organization or given away to friends or family members. Items you still want to hold onto but are either seasonal items or are not used often can be stored in a storage unit. This allows you to store items you wear more often in your home and items used less often in a safe location close to your home.
- Use thin hangers: It’s amazing how much space you can save by using thinner hangers. Using thin hangers will allow you to store more items in your closet.
- Use a hanger organizer: A hanger organizer can help to easily double your hanging space. Not only can a hanger organizer hold hanging clothes, they also often have hooks on the side that can be used to hang hats, purses, or ties.
- Look high and low: Take advantage of every inch of storage space in your closet. If you have room, consider adding shelves below your hanging clothes on which you can store shoes and other items. Additionally, if you have shelving space above your hanging clothes, add containers to keep your items organized.
- Take advantage of the doors: One storage space that is often overlooked is the closet doors. Attach rods or hooks to your doors on which to hang shoes, pajamas, hats, or belts!
- Consider corner shelves: Due to the awkward spacing, corners are often not looked at as being viable storage space. Installing corner shelves allows you to take advantage of this awkward corner space.
Self Storage Specialists Has Storage Facilities in Michigan and Ohio
Renting a storage unit can be an invaluable storage solution that can help you to make the most out of your home closet storage space. Are you interested in finding a storage unit near you? Self Storage Specialists have storage facilities all throughout Michigan, including in major Michigan cities like: Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and others! We also have a storage facility in Dayton, Ohio. Our storage facilities have both traditional and climate-controlled storage units available. With our wide range of storage unit sizes, we are sure to have the right space to fit your storage needs! Reserve your storage unit today!
 Christmas is quickly approaching! For those that haven’t gotten their tree yet, there’s still time! We’ve compiled a list of some Christmas tree farms in Michigan. Check them out below!
Christmas Tree Farms Near Detroit, MI
Huron Christmas Tree Farm has over 10,000 Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, White Pine, Blue Spruce, and White Spruce Christmas trees from which to choose. All of the trees are state inspected and free from diseases. Visitors have the option to choose from either a pre-cut Christmas tree or being able to cut down their own. The farm also sells Christmas wreaths, tree stands, tree bags, and garland. Santa even makes a stop to the farm during the Christmas season!
Masaab Acres has a variety of pre-cut Christmas trees. While picking out your tree, visitors can also purchase Christmas wreaths, garland, boughs, decorations, and shop in the gift shop.
Christmas Tree Farms Near Ann Arbor, MI
At Arend Tree Farms, visitors will be able to purchase pre-cut Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, Spruce, and Concolor Fir trees. Visitors may be directed to different farms based on the type of tree for which they are looking. Arend Tree Farms will be open every day from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve.
Braun’s Tree Farm has both pre-cut trees and trees that visitors can cut down themselves. The farm has a wide variety of trees available including: Fraser Firs, Douglas Firs, White Spruces, and Serbian Firs. While picking out your tree, visitors are invited to also purchase wreaths and garland.
Christmas Tree Farms Near Grand Rapids, MI
At Bosh’s Countryview Nursery, visitors can purchase White Pine, White Spruce, Colorado Blue, Norway Spruce, Fir, Fraser, and many other types of trees. The farm will also sell decorated and undecorated wreaths, succulent arrangements, tickets for horse drawn wagon rides, hot chocolate, cider, and more. Santa will also be making a visit to the farm!
Church’s Tree Farm has everything from small tabletop trees to trees that are nearly 15 feet tall! The farm sells Frasier Firs, Balsom Firs, Canaan Firs, Douglas Firs, Pine, and Blue Spruce trees. With every tree purchased, the tree will also be drilled to fit in a tree stand, shaken to remove any excess needles, and baled for the trip home.
Christmas Tree Farms Near Kalamazoo, MI
At Badger County Tree Farm, visitors will take a wagon ride to pick out their Christmas tree! There will be Fraser Firs, Canaan Firs, Douglas Firs, Korean Firs, Cork Bark Firs, Grand Firs, and more from which to choose!
At Ivester Tree Farm, visitors can purchase Fraser Fir, Concolor Fir, and Korean Fir trees. Drilling, shaking and baling of the trees is free with its purchase. There will also be homemade wreaths available for sale.
Self Storage Specialists Have Storage Facilities in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo, MI
Are you looking for a storage facility near you? Self Storage Specialists have self-storage facilities all throughout Michigan and in Dayton, Ohio. We have a variety of storage units ranging in sizes, and including:5×5, 5×10, 10×10, and larger!
Reserve your storage unit today!
 As Thanksgiving draws nearer, it means that Black Friday is also quickly approaching. If you’re like the average American, you’re planning on taking part in Black Friday shopping. This day is the biggest shopping day of the year, with many of the stores opening and offering deals on Thanksgiving. Get a head start on your holiday shopping this year by following these Black Friday shopping tips!
7 Tips for Black Friday Shopping
- Plan ahead: If you are looking for big ticket items like TVs, gaming systems, or new cell phones, it is very important that you plan ahead. Compare prices from various retailers to make sure that you are getting the best deal. Nowadays, there are different apps and websites that will help you to find these deals.
- Shop with discounted gift cards: It may seem too good to believe, but there are websites out there where you can purchase discounted store gift cards. Depending on the store and how much you’re looking to spend, you may be able to get a gift card to the store for less than the market price. Before purchasing from a discounted gift card site, always do your research.
- Avoid doorbuster deals: Stores will often offer a very low price for a popular item, however, the catch is that the store has a very low quantity of these items. Even worse, these items will often be of lower quality than the items traditionally produced by the company.
- Create a budget: It is easy to get caught up in the Black Friday excitement and spend more than you had initially planned. Decide how much you want to spend on Black Friday and try to avoid impulse buying.
- Be wary of price match policies: In order to compete with each other, stores will often offer price match policies. Unfortunately, it is common for price match policies to be suspended on Black Friday. Before heading to the store with the hopes of price matching, always read up on the store’s Black Friday price match policy.
- Prioritize your list: Sort through your shopping list and designate which items are the highest priority. Always hit the stores that have the highest priority items first.
- Shop online: Gone are the days where you have to visit the stores in order to get incredible deals. Many stores will offer comparable deals online. This is a great way to avoid the holiday rush while still scoring early deals.
Self Storage Specialists Have Storage Facilities All Throughout Michigan
Did you know that Self Storage Specialists have storage facilities in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo? Our storage facilities are perfect for storing seasonal, household, student, and business items. Reserve a storage unit today!
From all of us at Self Storage Specialists, we hope you have a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving!
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Dolls, Legos, and action figures, oh my! Is your home constantly scattered with kids’ toys and games? We get it; we’ve been there too. Keeping your home organized when it feels like toys are taking over is no easy task, but we’re here to help! We’ve compiled a list of 5 easy toy organization and storage tips. Check them out below!
